January 19th, 2014 – I’d just finished watching the Broncos win to get into the Super Bowl. I hadn’t felt well all day – and I was cold. Also, I had hollow and painful feelings on the right side of my mandible (jaw). I called a friend who said to get to the hospital right away – I drove the 5 or so miles to the hospital and was checked in… they were getting ready to do a heart catheterization when...
The heart catheterization showed 3 blocked arteries (2 – 75 % and 1 99%) I was scheduled for surgery on the 21st.
Following the successful surgery, I developed complications and was highly sedated for several days – I was “on the fence” they didn’t know if I would survive. After 18 days in the hospital, I was finally able to go home. I then developed pneumonia and ended up in the hospital again for 8 days. I had to go to cardiac rehab – and I didn't feel it was helping me in any way so I stopped going.
Following the by‐pass and pneumonia, after the surgery, the simplest tasks such as picking up a glass of water, taking a shower, getting dressed were like moving mountains.
I also wanted to get in shape and get healthier. My cardiologists were on me every visit to get moving, and I knew I had to find something I would stick to.
In the past, I loved Jazzercise, water aerobics, aqua pilates, and aerobic dancing. I started back to Jazzercise several years ago, but it hurt my knees. As for the water activities, the gym/pool where I worked out was not kept very clean, and I couldn’t stand walking in the place… so I stopped going. I have “every piece of exercise equipment” known to man and countless videos/DVD’s at home and I do not use them. It’s hard for me to get into the routine of working out on my own.
In July, 2018 an ad popped up on my Facebook page for Club Pilates, Wiregrass. I wondered where is this place, when did it open, and why didn’t I know about it? Finding the studio in the mall, I went in and scheduled the free introductory class. I was hooked after the introductory class so I joined immediately with an unlimited membership!
In December, I had a terrible bout of vertigo during class: Everyone was very concerned and then, Marlana and Ashley drove me home on a dark and rainy Friday evening, taking their time to be sure I was well taken care of. It was something I never would have expected anyone to do for me. The vertigo just about did me in and although I was ready to cancel my membership because I did not want to draw attention to myself if, and when, I had another attack.
Marlana encouraged me to continue, and I am so grateful she did. The instructors and I have created ways in which I can modify the movements so I do not experience any vertigo, and they are aware if I do have an attack, I know what to do to combat it. I’m back to taking 5 to 7 classes a week and feeling better and stronger every day.
After a few months, I was again able to lay flat and bridge properly. I am very cognizant of my balance and whether or not I get the least bit dizzy. Modifications for bridging is something that I am able to perform if needed. I know what to do if I get dizzy and the instructors are aware that I could get an attack…. Luckily it has been many months since any type of vertigo attack.
While I haven’t lost any weight, I did lose inches at first. But I am the same weight and size as I was a year ago. I take medication and I also sit at a computer all day, so none of that helps. But, I do have muscles and I know I have a six-pack hiding under my skin. I do have a much greater lung capacity.
Overall, I physically feel better after I go to class. Also, I’ve made a few friends and have many ladies I can just chat with for a few minutes before or after class. The socialization is a big thing for me, as I live alone and work in a small office – in the past, I rarely had any socializing in person and most of my interaction was over social media and the phone with friends.
Mostly I look forward to seeing the other members and getting a good workout. I usually take 1, 1.5 and center and balance. These classes work with my schedule. Strength wise, I could take a 2, but with my balance issues, I have not been cleared and that is fine with me. I can modify and add-on to the 1 class to challenge myself.
I’ve gotten stronger and I am healthier. AND, I did get to my 250th class last month (I wanted that T-shirt)! I figured with the time out for illness and other things, it took me about 13 months. I try to take 5 – 6 classes per week.
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